The Obama administration this year turned down a request from Jordan for Predator spy drones that would help it locate targets in the war against the Islamic State.

The refusal, disclosed by a House Armed Services Committee member, has gained attention since Jordan has emerged as a critical player in a U.S.-led coalition to destroy the Islamist terrorist group in the days after it released a video of its execution by fire of a captured Jordanian military pilot.

Jordan retaliated Thursday with F-16 airstrikes on the Syrian town of Raqqa and is vowing a relentless war against the Islamic State, also known as ISIL and ISIS. Members of Congress are calling on the White House to approve a list of weapons for King Abdullah II, a strong U.S. ally.

Rep. Duncan Hunter, California Republican, sent a letter Thursday asking President Obama to approve the transfer of the Predator’s unarmed export version for surveillance missions.

“The decision to deny the license request should be reversed immediately,” Mr. Hunter wrote. “Doing so will provide Jordan critical mission capability in the fight against the Islamic State and ensure Jordan is given every advantage.